The Christmas Ball (25/12 Evening)- Xmas 1677

[Defiance]

Nicolette & Buckingham

 

The duke was an astute fellow who had edged many a lady to the precipice of opening up and yet coming out relative unscathed. He recognized it, he would stroke it, and it was what he had looked for initially. Whatever misgivings there may have been over Master Cole's revelations, it might seem they were either long-resolved or managed.

 

Buckingham chuckled lightly to several possibilities that crossed his mind over what might be less cliche than mistletoe. The reversal of a lady's typical role at the heart of every single bizarre or innuendo-filled scenario that cross his rather liberal and artistic mind.

 

"One must never be cliche if one is to be remembered," Buckingham said, "Especially not with our King; he detests boredom. Not that I ever dwell in the mundane myself. Between us, our dance shall finish anything but cliche."

 

(OOC - let us go to the dance thread?)

[Defiance]

Louis & Mall

 

"Well, I do not think she wishes to marry Captain Herbert. A pity. He is one of my favourite cousins. He has always reminded me of a conglomeration of boys from my youth, in a good way..." she mused. "A Villiers never forgets."

 

It did not seem she was going to speak much more on that.

 

The Dowager Duchess had been many things in life, and she was a resulting hand-full of a woman; one you could never quite anticipate, because although delicate and pretty, Mall had a masculine sort of strength and aggressiveness.

 

"If it requires, my lord, you do know that since HIs Majesty wishes roles reversed that this lady shall lead from the gentleman's side?" She gave him a wholly innocuous look, that was almost triumphant in it's perfect blank reality, as that would be totally unsurprising.

 

Perhaps of this particular duchess, it was.

[Defiance]

Davina & Lady Pembroke

 

The blonde lady looked perplexed at Mistress Wellesley for a moment. "But he is by His Majesty, Mistress Wellesley, so should hardly be difficult to find."

 

Cat was not as showy as Mall, but she was just as intelligent and fiesty. It would not bother her if the girl was not interested in her son; she was more practical than he in many ways. The dowager countess thought that her son could secure quite a dowry with a smart choice. HIs heart was something a bit problematic in some ways.

 

"The Danish Ambassador? What interest might Denmark hold?" she asked, with a smile.

 

"And surely, if you wish."

 

(OOC - they were standing not sitting, so I ignored that part of your post )

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

Sophia had hoped that he would agree to escort her on a ride through the park. It would be a pleasant way to get to know him better and to find out his family's views on war. She didn't think that asking outright would work very well. It would be better to charm him into volunteering the information.

 

Lord Arundel, however, had other ideas. He wanted to meet her directly after the dance in the Walled Garden. The young Baroness saw nothing wrong with taking a short stroll with him. In fact, she quite looked forward to it.

 

By the way he said he would have more to discuss with her, she wondered if he might have a message for her husband concerning the war or Spain or another political matter. She would make a perfect messenger between the two of them. If he was only interested in her company, however, it would still be time well spent.

 

She nodded her assent and whispered 'yes,' as they entered the dance area.

 

continued in dance thread ...

[Francis Kirke]

Francis & Susan

 

Thankfully, although his solitude was short-lived, it was Lady Susan Herbert to join him.

 

"Happy Christmas, my lady. You are looking very well tonight, flushed from the dance or from the flurry to gain the best partners before other ladies move in?" He smiled.

 

"You know I do not favor dancing," he added, with a little chuckle. What mischief was she up to?

 

He had not seen the portly man, so he had no idea she fled to him.

[Raconteur]

Ellen and Ambrose

 

The he made the move to actually lay hand upon her should have resulted in an immediate response in the negative but Ellen stood calmly as his hand was placed and he continued on much in the manner or guise of a Storyteller.

 

Which, she was beginning to suspect, he was. With his head close to hers he expanded on the 'New Life' that she might lead with all sorts of temptations heedless of the crowd about them as many sought the dance floor. He painted quite the picture and when he began to explain about her Admires she had to give a small laugh.

 

"I fear Sir that you have a head filled with wild imaginings and so I can not help but admit that t'would be an easy thing to take a liking to You!"

 

"But you err i one thing - my name is known too many and not just here at Court - and the fact the my Lord father has made no secret of his great desires to marry us all off - prohibits most 'Gentlemen' from partaking as you put it of my delightful company and so it was on my own device that I became resolute to NOT seek out a husband."

 

"But tis an unfortunate fact that none have come about since that was made."

 

He applauded her effort as he took back his hand and stood to his height only to enourage her to continue. She repiled and her brown eyes smile up at him even as she quietly answered back

 

"I fear I am in need of some time applied to 'learnings' of this kind of thing. I have not the cleverness not abilities of one born with it so I must disappoint you Lieutenant."

 

He was lasting longer than most of his sex save for Christopher - but that man was now consigned to places in her Past - and yet she was taking enjoyment from the man before her now.

 

"Perhaps if more time was spent in your Company ..... But then you stand the chance of being the butt of a joke or two and speculation would abound and many would assume that you sought out plain Mistress Doolittle simply for the funds ... And that is a sadness for I ... Well never mind. Best that 'we' part."

 

"But I feel a certain recklessness about my person and so wonder if you have the Courage and are willing - will you dance with me? I am quite skilled and I'll wager the next dance will be more 'stately' with a country to follow. I shall leave the choosing of it to you."

 

It was expected that he would find some way out - lack of skill or perhaps even an old battle wound - anything that was believable.

 

But her gaze was fixed on his almost as if she had made a challange of her own in response to his.

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ellen and Ambrose

 

She seemed to be resigned to the life set for her by her father, “It is an alternative to lonely spinster hood.” He cheerfully said of the merry life he recommended. But in the end it was a woman right to choose, she at least knew she had encouragement from free-loving male quarters if she did.

 

“Fear not for my own reputation.” He chuckled as she imagined his hung in a balance if he accepted her request of a dance. “My worth is not measured that way, and yours need not be either. Thumb your nose to the gossips, and seize the moment by the proverbials!”

 

And perhaps she did - or at least she dared to ask him to dance.

 

Offering her arm then, he dared, though it was not such a dare really. It did a man good to be seen as able to dance, in the very least it might encourage other ladies to ask him for a next. “Shall we?” and he took her along to join in the liveliness.

 

 

 

OOC: I'll continue my post to the dancefloor!

[Blackguard]

John

 

It had been William's attempt at humor, now that John was an adult, and the young earl took no offense at it, as none was intended. "A damn good holiday wish John, and same to you."

 

Cavendish looked towards the dance floor. "Two dances, eh? She might not know that it is not impolite to move on to another dancer. I think we should rescue her after this dance. She needs to meet more people," he mused aloud. "Now then, how many kisses have you collected tonight?" he laughed good-naturedly. "You know my wife shall be counting every kiss I get." It was an acknowledgement of her jealous tendencies. "I'm going to try and find Ormonde and introduce you," he declared as he looked about for a sign of the Duke.

[Caroline Despanay]

Ashburnham, his family was very rich she believed, textiles or something. She never bothered much about such boring trivialities as mercantilism. Still, he was handsome and he was a friend of the King. All of that combined for the makings of an excellent dance partner, even if he might have two left feet.

 

"Master Ashburnham, delighted to make your acquaintance," she graced him with her most practiced 'sincere' smile and did not hesitate to request of him the next dance.

 

He was most pleased to accept or at least that was what he said, sincere or not she had herself a dance partner then. But then the King himself spoke up and with a most leading question. Did he wish her to ask him to dance? Not in her wildest dreams would she have imagined herself ever dancing with a King! Quickly she recovered from the shock.

 

"Your majesty, the only improvement I could possibly imagine to Master Ashburnham's company would be royal company. But, if I thought I had even the slightest chance of being accepted, I would be bold enough to ask for such a glorious opportunity before the night was done."

 

Even as she spoke another woman (Cat) stepped right up and without even pretense of an introduction addressed the King directly. And quite boldly asked the monarch for the upcoming dance. Caroline realized the two must know each other that she did not even go thru the formalities. Certainly the King did not seemed surprised.

 

Caroline already had her dance partner so regardless the woman should be able to have her desire, unless the King would outright refuse, something she did not figure on occurring.

[Aria]

Francis and Susan

 

“Thank you, my lord. The last dance was quite lively. Perhaps that is why I am flushed.” Her gaze meandered around the room but she saw not the briefest glimpse of her portly pursuer. She wouldn't worry Francis about him as long as he left he alone. Susan Herbert was a lady who could take care of herself. Or so she liked to believe.

 

She did feel safer in her tall cousin's presence, though. “You should know that I don't chase gentleman as well as I know that you don't like to dance.” Again, she glanced about the room. Still no stocky stalker. Good. “I think I have missed this dance. Everyone is pairing up already.” She sounded neither happy nor disappointed.

 

Susan grinned. “So, at least for a short time, I can protect you from ladies who ask you to dance. Most ladies I know aren't bold enough to interrupt a discussion between a gentleman and another lady. They will seek out groups of gentlemen or those who are alone.”

[Guest]

John and Cavendish

 

It was a peasant greeting. John was inordinately fond of such traditions.

 

“As you say,” John agreed to rescue her. She wasn’t new to balls though, they had been at one just recently at Yeldon. Even if she was, Burgoyne certainly wasn’t. So John would believe it was nothing when he heard it from them. Then again, John tended to read into things.

 

“Collecting kisses?” John said, confused. He’d been kissed by precisely two women in his life, excluding female family members, and one of them, he was fairly sure, was as a tease. “None.” He said, hesitant, as if probing for a meaning. He clearly didn’t understand.

 

John hadn’t really dealt with jealousy either. Fortunately, he had something quotable, “If ladies begin then, to quarrel with you men, to bid you take kisses back, then kiss them full silly, for their fear is you’re chilly, be warm and she’ll warm you back.” It was from The Ball of Master Young.

 

John nodded to the introduction to Ormonde, perhaps a bit too eagerly. There was a third woman he wanted to add to that list and meeting Ormonde would give him, if not the chance, at least the opportunity to find her and some mistletoe.

[Catriona MacGregor]

Around the King

 

With a smile to those around the group, Cat noted the other woman making a plan to dance with the King later and felt not one hint of jealousy. She knew her place and her baby's father. His tastes were wide and full.

 

Cat glanced around as the King asked her to find Herbert a blonde partner to dance with. She frowned slightly when she contemplated the group. "I am afraid all the blondes I know are either married or men and I don't think Lord Kingston would make an appropriate partner," she replied in a tone almost serious. Then, looking at the other lady present, she shrugged and added, "All the best ladies are brunettes and red heads. Not that I am biased in any way." Her smile proved her statement made in fun.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Fiona and Charles

 

Fiona's language was indecent, but strangely exciting. Such boldness was not what a gentleman might expect from a lady. Her words about fire, gunpowder and passion were quite persuasive. He had expected to torment her and now she was returning the favor. If he had been well into his cups during this conversation, his willpower might have wilted right then and there, in stark contrast to a certain part of his anatomy. Her gaze in that direction only made matters more uncomfortable.

 

He was sober enough to know that it would be ill-advised for so many reasons. Yet, a part of him knew that it would only be a matter of time before she overcame his defenses. He would hold up tonight, but would he make it through the season?

 

"Yes, the extraordinary has a certain appeal," he admitted with a smile. "But, we both know the likely destination of running headlong into danger. No, we must be prudent, bide our time, and see what the Fates have in store." His words sounded more staid than he had intended. They would not have the effect of tormenting her as much as suggestive hints. "It is a season for magic, so who knows what might happen? The wait only makes the arrival all the more grand." He was not saying no, so that certainly counted in his mind as tormenting her.

 

There was no time to speak further as they arrived in the company of other dancers. He gave her the look that suggested any further conversation should wait.

 

OOC~ Switching to the dance floor.

[Louis Killington]

Louis and Mall

 

"Your Captain Herbert is one of the most eligible bachelors at court," Louis declared matter of factly. It was true. "I have to believe that he could have his choice of most any lady at court." Newcastle and Ormonde' had a clutch of daughters. He stopped as he realized that he was acting like some old matron engaged in matchmaking. He had been driven to respond only because it seemed that Mall seemed eager to see the man matched and seemed at all disappointed that someone like Davina was not interested.

 

Louis let the subject change to the dance since Mall did not take the bait in commenting at the expense of some courtier. The dowager suggested a role reversal in dance steps. "Now that could prove a danger to your toes as I cannot profess any experience trying to mimic the steps of a lady." Yet, one did not just decline a request from someone like her. "If the other gentlemen on the floor are doing the same, then I shan't be the one to do otherwise." He was fairly sure that none of the other gentlemen would be assuming the dance steps of a lady. Few would have been been sufficiently trained.

 

ooc~ To the dance floor.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

Despite her young age, Fiona was quite adept at tormenting gentlemen in a seductive manner. It was one of her favorite pastimes. She wanted more from Charles than an exchange of arousing words, but it was an excellent start to what she hoped would eventually become a torrid affair … for at least one night and maybe more. The auburn-haired Scot doubted that he would succumb to her charms tonight, but if she was persistent this season, he would be powerless to resist her allure.

 

Most ladies like to be chased, and Fiona was no exception. However, she also liked to turn the tables and engage in a bit of chasing herself occasionally. Claiming your prize was often more thrilling than being the prize. Getting someone to say 'yes' when they would normally say 'no' was a heady sensation and sometimes led to more passionate lovemaking.

 

“But the Fates are already speaking.” She placed one hand around her ear in a theatrical gesture. “Can't you hear them? They have brought us together already.” A delicate shrug. “Who knows what they might do if we resist the inevitable? I'm sure they will not give up until we have given in.”

 

Magic. Yes, their union would definitely be magical. Fiona was aware that he was teasing her, but she also know that teasing often lowered inhibitions to the point that one threw caution to the wind and acted on one's desires. She was about to give him a taunting retort but his look told her to be silent. The other couples on the dance floor might be able to overhear them and she couldn't risk ruining her reputation yet again.

 

continued in dance thread ...

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Lizzie

 

Well, that was a shot well placed.

 

The thought ghosted across Charles's mind as he appreciated Elizabeth's reaction, her pleased but embarrassed air, her demurely lowered eyes. The softly bitten lip was a particular provocation. How had the girl managed to retain such innocence at Whitehall? Sound guardianship was the obvious answer, but how then had Lizzie been abandoned to his far from tender mercies?

 

Unless, of course, she's a jade full as hardened as yourself. But that seems unlikely.

 

In any case, the game demanded a response from him and he duly provided one, unrestrained joy breaking through his grave expression like sunshine through storm clouds, even as his arm tensed briefly under her touch.

 

"Then my duty and pleasure are most happily mixed, Elizabeth, for your company is a balm for the soul and your visage a delight to the senses."

 

Charles observed her eagerness to be noticed on the way to the dance floor with amused tolerance. He could not remember himself ever being so innocent or so... young.

 

Egads. I sound positively ancient, even to myself.

 

Buck up. Even allowing for your family's habit of dying young, you're barely into your middle years.

 

That is more terrifying than it is reassuring.

 

Their arrival at the dance floor saved Charles from his incipient midlife crisis.

 

 

continued in dance thread...

[Blackguard]

Maldon and Cavendish

 

William could only laugh at John's professed ignorance, real or not, about kisses. "Yes, kisses," he confirmed. "You see mistletoe draped everywhere don't you? You know the tradition, to collect kisses in the name of Christmas or New Year's. The ladies like it even more than the men. So, spread the holiday spirit John. Kiss every lady you encounter under a sprig of mistletoe. You might find that you like it as much as they," he declared in a festive voice. "This particular day of the year it is unlikely that any should refuse it."

 

His eyes scanned for the Butler crowd. Just like the Howards and the Cavendishes, they were known to gather amongst themselves. "I don't see the Duke or his brood of daughters. They are here and you should collect kisses from all of them," he encouraged. "Shall we go find him now, or do you wish to wait until after Catherine returns?"

[Raconteur]

Ellen and Anbrose

 

The little furrow between her brows appeard again as she answered him back

 

"Yet would that be such a bad thing I wonder? I mean every member of my sex is desirous of a marriage and children - yet few of us have any real say in the matter - I am an exception as my Lord Father has bought his Title and so there is not the need for an arrangerment between Ranking Families - as so many here are."

 

"I am pleased to hear that your reputation will not be tarnished and your advice I shall take into consideration."

 

He then accepted her offer and she placed a hand on his arm as he lead them out towards the dance floor. Her eyes were bright and he might have some cause to wonder if twas the glimmer of amusement that caught the reflection of all the candles or something else.

 

She held her head proudly and a small smile graced her lips as she walked with her unhurried stride by his side her figure well displayed in the gown that flattered and the jewels at her neck flirting like fireflies in a summer night as she moved.

 

 

(onto the dance)

[Guest]

Maldon and Cavendish

 

John knew of kissing under the mistletoe but not that people went around collecting kisses. “I think most ladies would cringe to kiss me,” John said, obviously depressed by the fact. He hated those forced smiles, that brief bit of hesitation. “Mistletoe is a p-p-poisonous weed anyway. It kills trees and sprays poisonous sticky white juice when you cut it.”

 

Then he brought up Ormonde’s daughters. “Yes. I should.” John said, suddenly all for it, “It’s t-t-tradition.” He began to look for them too. “Now.” John replied with certainty. “If they’re not d-d-dancing.” Even if there were people of interest to his sisters, John could do more by meeting them before the next round of asking.

 

Besides, the world must be peopled.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina With Lady Pembroke

 

Her eyes went to that place remarked upon taking note of those Assembled by The King included her son.

 

"Indeed Madame I would expect that is where he would be - yet I hope His Grace will give leave so that he too might enjoy - yet I suppose to remain there might prove to be a safer choice. Any Lady wishing a dance with your son needs must first ask The King. Few are brave enough yet I see there is always the exception."

 

"The Danish Ambasador has the same interests as all the rest - to gather information and then report back to their respective Masters - I have not his acquaintace beyond an introduction done by my Brother and with the Dutch Ambassador as well."

 

"The Danish Ambassador is not fair-haired as I would have expected. I think he is new come to Court and I had asked him for the second dance which I have managed to undo. Will he be 'forgiving' do you think Lady Pembroke?"

 

She left off that request to sit as it had no merit.

 

"I do like a Pavane. I am sure Mademosille Nicolette will be excellent as well. You do not dance then Madame?"

 

She was simply throwing out topics to the other woman hoping that one would stick and some good converse might thusly be shared. It might be the stepping stone to further chances thus offered and if she were Lucky Herberts Mother would be receptive to the thought of an alliance between the two Families.

 

It would be the Earl that made the decision, naturally as the Head of His family, but the words of ones' Mother were not like to be ignored.

[Aria]

Fiona alone

 

After Lord Langdon magically disappeared back into the crowd, Fiona ordered another glass of whiskey and took another plate of cake. As she washed down bites of the sugary confection with the strong beverage, her eyes wandered around the room, searching for interesting gentlemen to ask for a dance.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

... continued from dance thread

 

Sophia followed him as he led her from the dance floor and nodded when he suggested that they part. “I will be there,” she promised. She kept her expression casual as they moved away from each other.

 

Weaving through the crowd, she slowly made her way to the entrance. She smiled at Anna, who was waiting outside the door with her gift for the Queen and told her she needed a bit of fresh air. After collecting her fur cloak and putting it on, she nonchalantly slipped outside into the frigid night air.

 

{OOC: Shall we take them to a side thread or continue in this one?}

[Hope]

Thomas and the Mystery Woman

 

"You intrigue me darling..." Lucinda whispered, her eyes running over his form, seeking hints to his physique. "You are prepared, I hope, for an evening full of strenuous exertion. Stamina in ones... dance partner, can never be recommended highly enough." a finely shaped eyebrow rose in measuring his reply to her tease, smile upon her lips.

 

"You are a man of the military, if I guess correctly?" something in his movement gave it away, his brevity of words too, she mused he might take orders well, and she might delight to give them.

 

 

OOC: continue us on to the dancefloor!

[Nicolette Vauquelin]

Nicolette & Buckingham

 

It might take a lifetime of learning the Duke's ways before she could ever anticipate his reply - but it did not take so long to know that any reply he gave would be laced with humor or wit (and often enough both). Nicolette's lips pursed their pleasure of his reply just now, her eyes gleaming. "Death to the mundane - Viva la Daring!"

 

To the dance floor they moved.

 

While Nicolette was careful to focus her full attention to the prince, she surely noticed the shimmer of excitement around the Kings arrival and inevitable clustering of ladies around him. Pretties, vying for royal attention.

 

 

OOC:continued in the dance thread

[Cordelia Lucas]

Ladies Lucas and Dunmore

 

"Ah. So then she is hardly of a mind to seek another husband I'll wager and so that eases my mind somewhat. Mistress Dwight?"

 

Her eyes followed her companions and came to rest back upon the girl that seemed to be quite taken with the one-eyed "Gentleman' unless her eyes played tricks.

 

"And that is the one you think might suit Maldon then?" She queried. "I wish I was closer the better to fully see her. She is Young. And no doubt full of fancy thoughts those damned Storytellers spin as well! And her Gurdian sits close enough but observes not the goings on? I wonder who he is?"

 

"There will be trouble mark my word Constance."

 

"And so you shall at the first opportunity. I am curious if you will think the same as I about him and if there is a better candidate for him. I think there is something that is lacking no, that is not the word, rarther he believes that everyone he meets or addresses will of a certanity either turn away once he speaks or they see his impediment or think him too adle brained and so lacking in any abality to converse."

 

"Yet his Family Connections are high. It will be a challange Constance."

 

"Shall we?" She queried back in response to the others' idea.

 

"I think it wise to circulate and make the most of overhearing anything that we can!"

 

"Lord Langdon you say - and quick to wed. He wishes to marry again so soon after his wife's death? Scottish? Scottish! I shall not endorse that at all! Why take him away from our own English girls ....."

 

That thought sent her fanning herself in some indignation. The very idea! Yet her gaze fixed upon that couple and she took an instant dislike to his partner - whoever she was.

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Lizzie, returning from the dance floor

 

"Well, I am in the company of an angel..."

 

Laughter shone from Charles's eye, though his voice remained grave. It was a ponderous enough compliment but it suited the character he was playing.

 

And playing rather well, it must be said, though admittedly not against an adversary of any great skill. There's no sport in this.

 

Agreed. If I wanted slavish adoration, I'd request one of Daisy's pups for myself.

 

But there was no profit beyond momentary satisfaction in destroying Elizabeth's illusions and Charles would rather not have his introduction to the court at large involve young women running from him in tears.

 

"Cake sounds capital."

 

The thought of you as Mistress of Misrule is amusing, though I imagine not in the way you'd prefer.

 

Leading Elizabeth towards the refreshments, Charles took them on an entirely natural route that, entirely coincidentally, lead them under a sprig of mistletoe. He paused for a moment and flicked his eye upward to draw her attention to it.

 

"Ah, well, spirit of the season, yes?"

 

He spoke hopefully, once again internally cursing his inability to blush on command. Charles hesitated a moment before stepping in close, hands hesitantly encircling her waist. Another moment's hesitation, then he leaned in to delicately press his lips to hers.

 

The kiss began almost chaste before Charles moved to deepen it, his left hand beginning to steal up Elizabeth's flank. He held for but a fraction of a second before breaking off, breathing deeply and looking at his shoes.

 

"F-forgive me. That I... that I should not have done. I think it best that I depart your company Elizabeth, painful though the parting is. I wish you a pleasant evening."

 

Charles gave her a deep bow and turned to leave.

[Francis Kirke]

Francis and Susan

 

“Thank you, my lord. The last dance was quite lively. Perhaps that is why I am flushed.” Her gaze meandered around the room but she saw not the briefest glimpse of her portly pursuer. She wouldn't worry Francis about him as long as he left he alone. Susan Herbert was a lady who could take care of herself. Or so she liked to believe.

 

She did feel safer in her tall cousin's presence, though. “You should know that I don't chase gentleman as well as I know that you don't like to dance.” Again, she glanced about the room. Still no stocky stalker. Good. “I think I have missed this dance. Everyone is pairing up already.” She sounded neither happy nor disappointed.

 

Susan grinned. “So, at least for a short time, I can protect you from ladies who ask you to dance. Most ladies I know aren't bold enough to interrupt a discussion between a gentleman and another lady. They will seek out groups of gentlemen or those who are alone.”

 

"Yes, quite guilty of that sentiment," he replied, with the sort of half-smile a boy wore when he knew he was doing, or about to do, something he should not. In Francis' case, that was avoiding the dances.

 

"And are you so selfless as to miss a dance for my sake?" he asked, raising a blond brow and his drink in her direction. "A pity for all the gentlemen."

 

He took a sip of his drink and then added, with a very serious look about his face, "You know how it is considered bad form for able gentlemen not to ask ladies to dance?" He paused for effect, and then finished with his jest. "Do you think, in this case, due to the reversal, that it is the same for a lady?"

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Fiona alone - approached by Ambrose (&Ellen?)

 

But Lieutenant Turner fleet thought to look for Charles Sedley was abandoned, as their vacation of the dancefloor brought him in close proximity to a pretty looking idle, almost lost.

 

With a look to Ellen, he rose eyebrows (like perhaps this other was a friend of hers that she could introduce?), before he spoke gregariously to Fiona himself.

 

"I must report this crime to my commanding officer forthwith!" he smiled to Fiona, eyeing her head to toe, "for such a beauty to be left to herself - is unforgivable!" the uniformed lifeguard said.

[Hope]

Charles and Lizzie separate

 

"Oh yes, capital." She knew he liked cake, guessed it was because of the competition, so felt pleased with herself when he seemed so happy with her choice... and cheerily she linked her arm through his as they made their way through the droves.

 

But then the mistletoe. Looking at the gentleman she blinked, "But what about your curs..." though her protest was quelled by his lips firmly on hers, what more, a hand groped! With a gasp she fairly jumped. Wild eyed she looked at him a little startled that he'd tempt fate like that. He seemed to be regretting it too as he then apologized. Then it was her turn to cut his protests short, and with an energetic lunge she threw her arms around him and kissed again.

 

When she broke off she was laughing gleefully.

 

"I shall see you later yes?" was he blushing? Lizzie was elated, and beamed after him as he headed off. Silly man, didn't he realise she was quite shameless.

 

Swinging her skirts she then turned to look for her new friend (and initiator of this new romance) Lady Toledo - intent to find her and tell her about the grand success!

 

"Have you seen lady Toledo?" she asked to the next she met.

 

 

tag:open

[Hope]

Ladies Lucas and Dunmore

 

Cordelia's utterance of the name Miss Dwight, shockingly co-incided with a eye-patched gentleman leading the unsuspecting girl beneath the mistletoe. Constance looked at Cordelia, and with an eye-rolling sigh awaited the inevitable.

 

Without even concealing his movement, eye-patched fellow then fondled her up, and then Lizzie leaped to a second kiss!

 

"If there is any virtue left by the end of the night I shall be surprised." Constance lamented, "The urgency to match these young ladies increases as we watch them. An intervention perhaps, where is your Maldon."

 

Cordelia was inclined to separate at that moment, and Constance saw the sense of it for Maldon was with Cavendish, a relative to Cordelia. "...you shall fetch him perhaps, and we'll reconverge on Mistress Dwight later." in hushed tones they hatched a plan.